Is it worth the effort, or is this 50+ bored?
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Is it worth the effort, or is this 50+ bored?
I've got a Specialized S-Works Roubaix with full Dura Ace components. I've also got a Habanero Team Titanium with full Ultegra SL components. I much prefer the ride of the Habanero, and am thinking about switching component groups between the two bikes. When I'm on the Habanero, I'm happy with the performance and function of the Ultegra SL, but when I'm on the Roubaix, I do notice that the brakes are better and the shifting just a hair crisper. So, what say you other 50+ forum members? Is it worth the effort, or is this the thinking of someone with too much time on their hands?
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If you are talking new Dura Ace, then I believe that you will be better served by the Ultegra SL components. IMHO, new Dura Ace is so racer oriented that it is built without much regard for longevity. Less weight at all costs seems to be the motto.
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TRy it and see if you like it. Then keep it that way or swap it back if you prefer. Fiddling around with your bike's setup is always worth it. Sometimes you don't even need a reason. Just do it because you can.
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I would swap the gruppos. That is what being old is about. We know what we like and we take action to get it. I like my D/A a lot and have it on both road and TT bikes.
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Logically the two arms are not mutually exclusive. You may be bored and it might also be worth the effort.
Otherwise on this subject, as with most, I have nothing helpful to add.
Otherwise on this subject, as with most, I have nothing helpful to add.
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I have not noticed that DA wears quickly. I just replaced a DA cassette with 10,000 miles on it. Maybe Ultegra would do better but I'm satisfied with DA. I do like DA better so I would switch. Or better yet, get a great deal on a DA closeout and ditch the Ultegra completely.
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On second thought, I would buy a new 09 D/A gruppo which is lighter and has the internally routed cables for the Habanero Team Titanium.
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With that kind of time on your hands you should set up some performance test using both bikes with each bike using both sets of componets. Keep in mind that your performances may be affected by fatigue so you'll need conduct three seperate sets of test riding the bikes/combinations in various order. Only then, by comparing the results, will you have objective data to base your decision on.
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With that kind of time on your hands you should set up some performance test using both bikes with each bike using both sets of componets. Keep in mind that your performances may be affected by fatigue so you'll need conduct three seperate sets of test riding the bikes/combinations in various order. Only then, by comparing the results, will you have objective data to base your decision on.
To add to this you might also try various combinations of the two sets. You will need to pick several types of courses as well - flat, hilly, short and long. Each ride will need to be done several times over at various times of day to average out measurement errors. You may determine that for hilly terrain you prefer DA brifters and Ultegra DRs and for flat terrain you prefer all Ultegra or some combination. You would then be able to optimize the bike for each type of ride you do. This could be your lifes work.
Just sayin
#13
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I guess I have to be the first to point out that a new frame is the answer to your problems.
Buy one of those wonderful Habanero cross frames, and swap your Ultegra set over to that. Mount fenders on it, and you have a fantastic Titanium rain/bad weather bike. You can even put a rack on it and use it as a fast commuter / errand bike.
Then, get a new DA group, put that on your Habanero Team frame.
You're welcome.
Buy one of those wonderful Habanero cross frames, and swap your Ultegra set over to that. Mount fenders on it, and you have a fantastic Titanium rain/bad weather bike. You can even put a rack on it and use it as a fast commuter / errand bike.
Then, get a new DA group, put that on your Habanero Team frame.
You're welcome.
Last edited by BengeBoy; 08-05-08 at 03:06 PM.
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Stripping an S-Works Roubaix of full Dura-Ace components constitutes cruel and unusual punishment and is a terrible way to treat your bike, IMHO.
I'm with the others who've suggested buying another set of DA stuff for the Habanero, making it a hotter ride without insulting your Roubaix. Or, consider going full Campy, if you have money to burn.
I'm with the others who've suggested buying another set of DA stuff for the Habanero, making it a hotter ride without insulting your Roubaix. Or, consider going full Campy, if you have money to burn.
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Just to stir the pot a bit, get SRAM Red for the Habanero.
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SRAM shifting is different but in some ways similar to Campy. I like the light action of D/A versus Campy / SRAM. However, SRAM Red is the lightest and most expensive Gruppo. I do have the SRAM Red cassette which is the only piece of real steel on my plastic bike.
#17
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Stripping an S-Works Roubaix of full Dura-Ace components constitutes cruel and unusual punishment and is a terrible way to treat your bike, IMHO.
I'm with the others who've suggested buying another set of DA stuff for the Habanero, making it a hotter ride without insulting your Roubaix. Or, consider going full Campy, if you have money to burn.
I'm with the others who've suggested buying another set of DA stuff for the Habanero, making it a hotter ride without insulting your Roubaix. Or, consider going full Campy, if you have money to burn.
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If funds are limited (likely), the 2009 Specialized Allez Elite C2 looks interesting.
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Only a couple of things to change to see if it works- Is it the brakes? Or the pads? or the wheels? that give better braking- of course it could be the brakes or the Brifters or the cables- so plenty to check out Similar with the Changing- Check out and clean and oil the cables. Make certain they are set up right on cable tension aswell.
But then it is down to the mentality of the ride. Dure Ace will be better- despite what the thoughts are on "Ultegra is just as good but half the price". And if you have time on your hands- will be a usefull exercise for the rest of us- providing you do it and report back.
But then it is down to the mentality of the ride. Dure Ace will be better- despite what the thoughts are on "Ultegra is just as good but half the price". And if you have time on your hands- will be a usefull exercise for the rest of us- providing you do it and report back.
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I think BengeBoy has the best idea about buying the Habenero cross bike and putting the ultegra components on it. I also think you should get it in a 56 or 57cm frame and if you don't like it let me know.
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If you're trying to improve your brakes, go for Koolstop salmon colored pads. If you want more bling on your bike, swap in the Dura-Ace. If you've got lots of money and time on your hands, buy a new Dura-Ace so you've got DA on both bikes. Then sell the Ultegra on ebay. Or send it to me for safe keeping.
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